Irving F. Chase, State Clergyman Of The Year

OBITUARIES

April 29, 1989|By RAY LYNCH, Staff Writer

The Rev. Irving F. Chase, who was selected as the Kiwanis Clubs` Florida Clergyman of the Year while working as visitation pastor at the Christ Church United Methodist in Fort Lauderdale, died of cancer on Wednesday at his home in Akron, Ohio.

He died on his 73rd birthday.

The Rev. Chase was pastor of visitations at Christ Church from 1978 until last year, when he moved back to Akron.

At Christ Church, he conducted more than 900 funerals over a nine-year period.

``He could handle, and did, funerals for Jews, Roman Catholics and Protestants,`` said the Rev. Bill Fraker of Christ Church. ``He felt all were God`s children and he treated them as such.``

The Rev. Chase also preached quite often at Christ Church, conducted weddings and spent much time visiting church members who were hospitalized or homebound.

``He was really a great consolation to a lot of people. He was a very happy man and brought a lot of happiness to people. ... He was very dearly loved,`` Fraker said.

After his return to Akron last year, the Rev. Chase continued to work part time at the Clinton United Methodist Church in Akron until shortly before his death.

The Rev. Chase had preached at Lockwood United Methodist Church in Akron for 22 years before moving to Pompano Beach, said his daughter, Sheila Green of Akron.

He also worked at churches in Pawtucket, R.I., and in Ohio at churches in Bowerston and Lakewood.

The Rev. Chase, born in New London, Conn., on April 26, 1916, and raised in Newport, R.I., graduated from Malone College in Canton, Ohio. He completed his post-graduate work at the Rhode Island College of Education and at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland.

He was a longtime member of the Kiwanis Club and had been honored for 36 years of perfect attendance. While living in South Florida, he was a member of the Lauderdale-by-the-Sea chapter.

In addition to his daughter, the Rev. Chase is survived by Esther, his wife of 51 years; a son, Stephen F. of Cranston, R.I.; and six grandchildren.

A service will be at 2 p.m. today at the Lockwood United Methodist Church in Akron.

Schermesser Funeral Home, Akron, is handling arrangements.

The family asks that contributions be made to Christ Church United Methodist, 4845 NE 25th Ave., Fort Lauderdale.